Torque converter mechanism



TORQUE CONVERTER MECHANISM Filed Sept. 13,-1945 l0 Sheets-Sheet 1 ,Zive'avb '7'. 39/407 Zann/Jr' B. BAIQNISTER 2,478,227

Aug. 9, 1949. BANMSTER 2,478,227

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B. BANNISTER TORQUE CONVERTER MECHANISM 1o Sheets -Sheet 1o Patented Aug. 9, 1 949 TORQUE CONVERTER MECHANISM Bryant Bannister, Pittsburgh, Pa., asslgnor to H. H. Robertson Company, corporation of Pennsylvania Pittsburgh, Pa., a

Application September 13, 1945, Serial No. 616,020

6 Claims.

This invention relates to torque converter mechanism. t

The invention has for a general object to provide a novel and improved torque converter mechanism for variable speed transmission embodying frictional driving elements and which is characterized by the fact that at least one of the frictional elements comprises a yielding or deflecting member capable of being moved to vary the point of frictional contact between the elements whereby to change the speed ratio of the mechanism.

With this general object in view and such others as may hereinafter appear, the invention consists in the torque converter and in the various structures, arrangements and combinations of parts hereinafter described and particularly defined in the claims at the end of this specification.

In the drawings illustrating the preferred embodiment of the invention and selected modifications thereof, Fig. 1 is a cross sectional view of a torque converter embodying the present invention in a design having a single deflecting member in tangential driving engagement with a plurality of spherically faced rollers; Fig. 2 is a cross section of Fig. 1 taken on the line 2-2 thereof; Fig. 3 is a cross sectional view similar to Fig. 1 showing the single deflecting member in engagement with a different portion of the spherically faced'rollers; Fig. 4 is a cross sectional view taken on the line 4-4 of Fig. 3; Figs. 5, 6 and '7 are partial cross sectional views of the present torque converter embodying two deflecting members; Figs. 8 and 9 are cross sectional views of the present invention embodying a plurality of ball rollers and cooperating curved deflecting discs; Fig. 10 is a cross sectional view of a torque converter embodying a pair of defleeting discs in cooperation with a plurality of tapered spherically faced rollers; Fig. 11 is a cross section taken on the line ll-il of Fig. 10;

Fig. 12 is a cross sectional view of an embodiment of the invention having rigid friction discs cooperating with barrel shaped rollers mounted in a deflecting disc; Fig. 13 is a cross section taken on the line 13-43 of Fig. 12; Fig. 14 is a cross sectional view of a modified form of the invention embodying a pair of rigid friction discs cooperating with radially yieldable friction rolls; and Fig. 15 is a cross sectional view of a further modification embodying rigid friction discs and a plurality of yielding mounted rollers.

In general, the present invention contemplates a variable speed torque converter mechanism of the friction drive type embodying friction discs and cooperating intermediate planetary friction rollers for the transmission of tangential driving forces, and is characterized by the provision of a yielding or deflecting member arranged to be deflected .upon the application of pressure to change the point of tangential contact with relation to its cooperating friction element and thus effect a variation in the speed and relative torque of the driven element with relation to the driving element.

Referring now to the drawings and particularly to Figs. 1 and 2, the invention as therein illustrated comprises a variable speed torque converter unit havinga driving or input shaft l0 J'ournaled in a bracket l2 and a driven or output shaft [4 supported in a casing f6 and in coaxial alignment with the driving shaft ID. A rotary carrier I 8 keyed to the end of the'driven shaft I4 is provided with a plurality of spherically faced planetary friction rollers 20 rotatably mounted therein on shafts 22 having their axes spaced from and parallel to the shafts l0 and [4. As herein shown, the rollers 20 are arranged to be rotated from the driving shaft l0 through planetary gear connections including a sun gear 24 fast on the shaft I 0 which meshes with planetary gears 26 fast on each roller shaft 22. Cooperating with the friction rollers 20 and in tangential engagement therewith at a point beyond the radius from the center of shafts l0, M to the center of the roller shafts 22 is a conically shaped stationary deflecting disc 28 having its axis in alignment With said shafts I 0 and Id. The deflecting disc 28 is secured at its inner periphery to a longitudinally adjustable member 30 and is free to flex at its outer periphery.

As illustrated in Figs. 1 and 2 the deflecting disc 28 is held from rotary movement by tongues 32 extending from the periphery thereof into grooves 34 provided in the casing l6. As herein shown the adjustable member 30 is provided with a threaded hub 36 for cooperation with an adjusting nut 38 which bears against a ball bearing indicated generally at 40 interposed between the nut and the housing It and the nut is provided with a detachable handle 42 extending through a slot 44 in the casing Hi.

In the operation of the unit, the spherically faced planetary rollers 20 being rotated through the gear connections described frictionally engage the stationary conically shaped friction disc 28 to effect rotation of the carrier I 8 and the driven shaft M. Upon adjustment of the nut 38 to apply more or less pressure of the disc 28 against the cooperating rollers 20 the disc will flex and thus change the point of tangential contact of the disc with relation to the spherical face of the rollers, and, as a result, the speed ratio between the driving and driven shafts is changed.

As an example of the operation and character istics of a typical torque converter embodying the above described structure and as illustrated in Fig. 1, R is the pitch circle radius of the sun gear 24; RI is pitch circle radius of the planetary gears 26; R2 is the distance from the center of the roller shaft 22 to the point of tangential contact of the disc 28 with the planetary rollers 20; and R3 is the radius from the center of shafts I0. I4 to said point of tangential contact. Now, with an initial pressure between the deflecting disc and the rollers sufficiently great to develop the necessary tangential force, the point of contact will be adjacent to the outer edge of the spherically faced planetary rollers 20. Then, as the pressure is increased, the radius R2 decreases, and the point of contact will move toward the center of the rollers 20 resulting in variable speed ratios between input and output shafts I0, I4, as

indicated in the table below.

Radii Torque R. P. M.

R R1 R2 R3 Input Output Input Output 1 1 1. 5 3.5 3.33 +1 30 l 1 l. 3. 0 l 4. 0 +1 25 l 1 6 2. l 6. 0 +1 l7 In the structure illustrated in Fig. 1, the input and output shafts always rotate in the same direction, and the output speed may be increased or decreased over the entire range of ratios by changing the gear ratios R and RI.

Referring now to Figs. 3 and 4 the embodiment of the present torque converter therein illustrated comprises a driving shaft 50 and a driven shaft 52 suitably supported in coaxial alignment with each other, and the driven shaft 52 is provided with a rotary carrier 54 in which a plurality of spherically faced planetary rollers 56 are rotatably mounted. The planetary rollers 56 are arranged to be rotated through planetary gearing 58, 60 in a-manner similar to the embodiment illustrated in Fig. 1. In the embodiment shown in Fig. 3, a stationary deflecting disc 62, secured at its outer periphery and free to flex at its inner periphery, is supported in a longitudinally adjustable member 64 for tangential engagement with the planetary rollers 56 at a point within the radius from the center of the shafts 50, 52 to the center of the roller shafts 66.

As herein shown, the longitudinally adjustable member 64 is supported on the driven shaft 52 and is heldfrom rotation by extensions 68 therefrom arranged to engage grooves I0 formed in a stationary portion 12 of the unit. An adjusting nut I I which cooperates with the externally threaded hub 16 of the member 64 bears against a ball bearing indicated generally at I8 and is provided with a handle 80 for convenience in rotating the nut to efiect an increase or a decrease in the pressure of the deflecting disc against the spherically faced surface of the planetary rollers. Thus, in operation, the planetary rollers 56 rotated through the planetary gear connections 58, 60 frictionally engage the stationary disc 62 to effect rotation of the driven shaft 52. The application of more or less pressure of the disc against the cooperating rollers 4 will cause the disc to flex and thus change the tangential contact between the disc and the rollers and, as a result the speed ratio between the shafts 50 and 52 is changed.

As an example of the operation and characteristics of the modified embodiment of the invention, illustrated in Fig. 3, assuming the same basic proportions as in the example described for the embodiment illustrated in Fig. 1, it will be seen that with an initial pressure sumcient to develop the necessary tangential force, the point of contact will be adjacent to the inner periphery of the deflecting disc 62, and,.as thepressure is in creased the radius R2 decreases while the radius R3 increases, the point of contact moving toward the center of the planetary rollers 56 resulting in variable speed ratio between input and output shafts as indicated in the table below.

Radii Torque R. P. M.

R l R1 R2 R3 Input Output Input Output 1 l 1.5 .5 l .67 l 1.5 1 1 1.0 1.0 1 0 0 (dtall) 0 (Stall) l l .5 1.5 l 2 In the operation of the above described embodiment of the invention, the rotation of the driven shaft is in the same direction as the driving shaft when the radius R2 is greater than the radius RI, and, when radius R2 is equal to radius RI, the driving shaft will stall and the driven shaft may free wheel. When radius R2 is less than radius RI, rotation of the driven shaft is opposite to that of the driving shaft.

Figs. 5, 6 and '7 diagrammatically illustrate different modifications of the present invention as embodying two conically shaped deflecting discs for cooperation with opposing spherical faces of a roller supported therebetween. The mechanism illustrated in Fig. 5 comprises a driving shaft I00 and a driven shaft I02 in coaxial alignment therewith, the driven shaft being provided with a rotary carrier I04 fast thereon or formed integrally therewith. A plurality of rollers having opposing spherically faced surfaces I06, I08 are rotatably mounted inthe carrier on axes spaced from and parallel to the shafts I00, I02. The driving shaft I00 is provided with a flanged portion IIO fixed thereto and arranged to support a conically shaped deflecting disc I I2 for tangential driving engagement with the spherically faced surface I06 of the rollers at a point, beyond the radius R5 from the center of the shafts I00, I02 to the center of the rollers. A second conically shaped deflecting disc H4 is supported by a nonrotatable member I I8 of the unit for tangential engagement with the opposing spherically faced surface I08 of the rollers at a point within the radius R5 from the center of the shafts I00,

I02 to the center of the rollers.

Both deflecting discs H2 and II4 are fixed at their outer peripheries and are free to flex at their inner peripheries, and, provision is made for applying lateral pressure to urge the discs against their cooperating rollers. As herein shown, element H8 is axially movable and is arranged to bear against the outer periphery of the stationary disc II4 to eflect flexing thereof and the pressure thus applied is communicated to the deflecting disc II2 through the cooperating rollers in the carrier I04. The member H8 is arranged. to cooperate with an adjusting ring I20 for increasing or decreasing the pressure applied.

With this construction it will be apparent that the frictional engagement of the driver deflecting periphery and in tangential engagement with the opposing spherically faced surface I38 of the rollers-at a point within the radius R5 from disc II2 with one. face I of the rollers will the center of the shafts I30, I32 to the center efiect rotation of the latter, and, the frictional of the rollers. An adjusting nut I48 cooperating engagement of the opposing face I08 of the rollwith an externally threaded portion I50 of the ers with the stationary disc II4 will effect rotaaxially movable member I46 is arranged to pro- 1 tion .of the carrier and the output shaft I02. vide lateral pressure and thus effect flexing of Thus, in operation, with an initial pressure apthe deflecting discs I42, I44. plied at the stationary deflecting disc 4 suf- With this construction it will be seen that the flciently large to develop the necessary tangenfrictional engagement of the driver deflecting tial forces, the point of contact between the disc I42 with one face I36 of the intermediate driver deflecting disc H2 and the surface I06 rollers will effect rotation of the latter, and, the of the rollers will be near the center of the latfrictional engagement of the opposing face I38 ter, and, the point of contact between the staof the rollers with the deflecting disc I44 will tionary disc H4 and the opposing face I08 of the effect rotation of the driven shaft. Thus, in roller will be near the outer edge of the latter, operation, with an initial pressure applied at the this position representing the minimum value of in r dge of the driven defiective disc I44 sufradius R2 and the maximum value of radius ficient to develop'the necessary tangential forces, R3. As the pressure is increased radius R2 will the point of contact between the driven disc I44 b increased and radius R3 will be decreased, and the surface I38 of the spherically faced rollresulting in variable speed ratios betweeninput ers will be near the center of the latter, and, and output shafts, as indicated in the table below the point of contact between the driver deflecting for a typical x p1e, disc I42 and the opposing face I36 of the roller Radii Torque Tan. Force Press. Req'd. R. P. M,

R1 R2 R3 R4 R5 Input Output Plan B O A B Input Output Plan In the above described embodiment, the driven will also be near the center-of the latter, these member rotates in the same direction as the positions representing the minimum values of driver, and, the driven member must always roradii R2 and R3. As the pressure is increased tate at a slower speed than the driving member. the points of contact will move outward from A one to one ratio is impossible but may be 40 the center of the rollers efiecting an increase in approached if radius R2 is small and radius R3 the radii R2 and R3 and resulting in variable large compared to radius R5. speed ratios as tabulated below for a typical ex- The mechanism illustrated in Fig. 6 discloses ample.

R il Torque Tan. Force Press. Reqd. R51. M.

111 112 R3 R4 R5 Input Output 323(- A B o A B Input Output 323" 3;?" :0 :23 3:? 3 i 1 :3; :92 :iii :20 :2; 118 it i ii an embodiment in which the driven element ro- In the above described embodiment, Fig. 6, a, tates in an opposite direction to the driving ele- 5 one to one ratio is impossible but may be apment and at a higher speed and comprises a preached if radii R2 and R3 are small compared driving shaft I and a driven shaft I32 in 00- to radius R5. I axial alignment. A carrier I34 non-rotatably The modification illustrated in Fig. 7 is similar supported between the shafts in a portion I35 to that shown in Fig. 5.,in all respects except that of the casing is provided with a plurality of the driver deflecting disc I60 is secured at its rollers having opposing spherically faced surfaces inner periphery to the flanged portion I62 and is I36, I38 which are rotatably mounted therein free to flex at its outer periphery.. In this emon axes spaced from and parallel to the shafts bodiment the driven member I64 also rotates in I30, I32. The driving shaft I30 is provided with the opposite direction to the driver I66 but the a flanged portion I40 fixed thereto and arranged speed of the driven member I64 may be varied. to support a conically shaped deflecting disc I02 from a fraction of the driver speed, through a one for tangential driving engagement with the to one ratio, to a considerable multiple of the spherically faced surface I 30 of the rollers at a driver speed. 5 point beyond the radius R5 from the center of In the operation of the embodiment disclosed in the shafts I30, I32 to the center of the rollers, 70 Fig. '7, with an initial pressure applied at the inner the deflecting disc I42 being secured at its outer edge of the driven deflecting disc I53. sufiiciently periphery and free to flex at its inner periphery. large to develop the necessary tangential forces, A second conically shaped deflecting disc I44 is the point of contact between the driven deflecting supported at its inner periphery by an axially disc I 68 and the surface I10 of the spherically adjustable member I06 keyed to the driven shaft faced roller will be near the center of the latter,

the radius R3 having its minimum value, and, the point of contact between the driver deflecting variable speed ratios between the input and output shafts as indicated in the table below.

disc I60 and the opposing face I12 of the spherically faced roller will be at the outer edge of the latter, the radius R2 having its maximum value. As additional pressure is applied radius R3 will increase while radius R2 will decrease, resulting in variable speed ratios in accordance with the table below.

In the above illustrated structure, the driven member 202 rotates in the opposite direction to the driving member 200, and, the speed of the driven member may be varied from a fraction of the driver speed up to a one to one ratio. Ratios larger than five to one involve disproportionately large balls and are therefore not feasible.

Radil Torque Tan. Force Press. Req'd. R. P. M

R1 112 R3 R4 R5 Input Output A. B o A B Input Output gg- 5.0 2.0 .25 2.75 3 1 24 .40 .20 1.0 is 1.33 10.7 I 1 .23 2.5

3. 25 25 2 1. 0 a 1 .04 .08 .31 .04 a5 2. 05 .25 1 20. s 13. 0

Referring now to Fig. 8, the embodiment of the Another embodiment of the invention employfriction drive torque converter therein illustrated ing a pair of deflecting discs of curved ont r employs a pair of deflecting discs of curved contour for cooperation with metal balls supported therebetween, and comprises a driving shaft 200 and a driven shaft 202 suitably supported in coaxial alignment with each other. An intermediate ball carrier.204 non-rotatably mounted in the unit housing 206 is provided with a plurality of metal balls 208 rotatably mounted therein at points equidistantly spaced from the center of the shafts 200, 202. The driving shaft 200 is provided with a flanged portion 210 fixed thereto and arranged to support a deflecting disc 2l2 having a curved contour for tangential engagement with one side of each metal ball 208, the disc 2l2 being secured at its outer periphery and free to flex at its inner periphery. A second deflecting disc 2M also having a curved contour is supported at its inner periphery by an axially movable member 2l6 keyed to the driven shaft 202, the second disc being free to flex at its outer periphery and in tangential engagement with the opposite sides of each metal ball. The radius of curvature of each deflecting disc may and preferably will be slightly larger than the ball radius.

Lateral pressure may be applied to either end to effect driving engagement of the discs with their cooperative ball rollers, and, as herein shown, an adjusting nut 2l8 cooperating with an externally threaded portion 220 of the axially movable member 2l6 may be provided for this purpose.

With this construction it will be apparent that rotation of the driver deflecting disc H2 in frictional contact with one side of each metal ball imparts a rotational motion to the balls which in turn imparts a reverse rotational motion to the driven deflecting disc 2 l4 and the shaft to which it is keyed. Thus, in operation, with an initial pressure sufficient to develop the necessary tangential forces, the radius RI of ball contact on the driver deflecting disc 2|2 will be at a minimum, and, the radius R4 of ball contact on the driven deflecting disc 2l4 will be at a maximum. As pressure is increased the radius R! will increase while radius R4 will decrease resulting in cooperating with intermediately supported metal balls is illustrated in Fig. 9. As therein shown,

this modified form comprises a driving shaft 250 and a coaxial driven shaft 252 having a ball carrier 254 non-rotatably supported therebetween in the unit housing 256. A plurality of metal balls 258 are rotatably supported in the carrier 254 at points equidistantly spaced from the center of the shafts 256, 252 The driving shaft 250 is provided with a deflecting disc 260 fast thereon of curved contour fixed at its inner periphery and free to flex at its outer periphery for tangential engagement with one side of each metal ball 258 at points ranging from slightly beyond the radius R2, from the center of the shafts to the center of the metal balls, to a point within said radius subtending at an angle of approximately 45 with the ball spacer or carrier 254.

A second deflecting disc 262 also having a curved contour, is supported at its outer periphery and free to flex at its inner periphery by a flanged portion 264 fast on or formed integrally with the driven shaft 252. The second deflecting disc 262 is arranged to'engage the opposite side of each metal ball 258 at points ranging from slightly within the radius R2, to a point beyond said radius subtending at an angle of approximately 45 with the ball spacer 254. The radius of curvature of each deflecting disc 260, 262 may and preferably will be slightly larger than the ball radius. Lateral pressure may be applied to either end of the unit to effect driving engagement of the discs with their cooperating ball rollers 258 and, as herein shown, the driven shaft 252 may be provided with a grooved portion 266 arranged to receive rollers 268 carried in a yoked arm 210 pivotally mounted at 212 in a portion of the housing 256. The upper end of the yoked arm 210 is engaged by an adjusting bolt 214 secured in the housing for moving the shaft 252 axially and thus increasing or decreasing the pressure applied.

With this construction it will be apparent that rotation of the driver deflecting disc 260 in frictional contact with one side of each metal ball 258 imparts a rotational motion to the ball rollers at its inner periphery in a collar 3 keyed to the driven shaft 302, the second disc being free to flex at its outer periphery and in tangential engage- ;ram with the opposite side of each tapered roller The driver deflecting disc 3I0 initially engages the smaller ends of the tapered rollers 306 and the driven deflecting disc 3I2 initially engages the larger ends thereof. Lateral pressure may be applied at either end to eflfect frictional driving engagement of the discs 3I0, 3I2 with their cooperating radially arranged rollers 306, and as Radii Torque Tan. Force a. P. M.

R1 R2 R3 R4 Input Output A B C Input Output Ball 5% 5y 4 4 1 .83 .11 .34 .11 1 1. 21 l. 44 55 5;? 4 52 1 1 .as .10 1 1 1. a1 3% 5 1 4 25 1 1.8 .21 .54 .21 1 .50 .04 2 5 4 1 3.66 .44 .88 .44 1 .21 .50

In the above described structure, the driven member 252 rotates in the opposite direction to the driving member and the speed of the driven member may be varied from slightly greater than the driver speed to /1 or V of driver speed depending on design. Ratios larger than 5 to 1 involve disproportionately large balls and are not feasible.

Referring now to Figs. 10 and 11, the modification of the invention therein illustrated embodies a pair of conically shaped deflecting discs 00- operating with intermediate rollers rotatable on axes radially arranged with respect to the center of coaxial input and output shafts and in which a large range of ratios is possible. As therein shown, the modified mechanism comprises a driving shaft 300 suitably supported in coaxial alignpurpose.

herein shown, an adjustingnut 3I6 cooperating with an externally threaded'portion 3I8 of the flanged member 300 may be provided for this With this construction it will be seen that rotation of the driver deflecting disc 3I0 in frictional contact with one side of each tapered roller 306 imparts a rotational motion thereto which in turn impart reverse rotational motion to the driven deflecting disc 3I2 and the shaft 302 to which it is keyed. Thus, in operation, with an initial pressure sufiicient to develop the necessary tangential forces, the point of tangential contact of the discs with the rollers will be, as above described, with the radius RI at its minimum value, and the radius R4 at its maximum value at which time minimum output speed will be obtained. As the ment with a driven shaft 302. A roller carrier 40 pressure is increased by adjustment of the nut 3 n ot y supported intermediate the 310, radius RI will increase While radius R4 will shafts 300, 302 but free to move axially with relaecrea At th s t radius 2 n tion thereto is provided with a plurality of rollers crease while radius R3 will decrease until the 3 having their e d a y arranged With points of tangential contact reach the opposite spect to the shafts. The roller carrier 304 ay ends from the points of initial engagement with e r in nst r t y ovem a ou the the rollers 306, at which position maximum cutout axis of shaft 300 by means of a lug 304a rigidly speeds will be obtained, carried thereby and extending into a longitudinal In the above described embodiment of the inr v 3 in a stationa y frame m mber or casvention, the driven shaft 30-2 rotates, in the oppoing portion 304c, as shown in Fig. 11. Such an site direction to the driving shaft and a large arrangement would permit the carrier 304 to range of ratios from a small fraction of the input move longitudinally of the shaft 300, as described speed, through a ratio of one to one, to a conabov t Wou d p e e ts on a out e siderable multiple of the input speed is possible, axis of the shaft. As herein shown, the rollers as indicated in the table below, for an example. 306 are tapered with a convex curvature with the As an optional arrangement the driver and driven small ends thereof adjacent to the center of the members may be reversed to provide a speed up shafts 300, 302. condition.

Radii Torque Tan. Force R. P. M.

R1 R2 R3 R4 Input Output A 3 Input Output Roller The driving shaft 000 is provided with a flanged Figs. 12 and 13 illustrate an embodiment of the member 300 keyed thereto but free to move axially invention in which a non-rotatable deflecting and which is arranged to support a conically shaped deflecting disc M0 for tangential engagement with one side of each tapered roller 306, the disc 3I0 being secured at its outer periphery and free to flex at its inner periphery. A second carrier intermediate the input and output shafts supports a plurality of spherically faced rollers for cooperation with opposing conically shaped rigid discs and includes a driving shaft 350 and a coaxial driven shaft 352. An intermediate nonconically shaped deflecting disc 3I2 is supported rotatable flexible deflecting carrier 354 is arranged to support a plurality of rollers having opposed spherically faced surfaces 356. 358 which are rotatable in suitable bearings 359 on axes 3B0 spaced from and parallel to the shafts 350,

12 ably supported in a housing 404. A non-rotatable carrier comprising a spindle 406 disposed between and at right angles to the shafts 400. 402 is arranged to rotatably support a pair of rollers 352. AS herein shown, the flexible carrier 354 5 408 each having a tapered surface of convex is held from axial movement but not necessarily curvature with the larger ends of the rollers at its inner periphery by being interposed benearest the shafts. The spindle 406 may be suptween a shoulder 362 on the driving shaft 350 and ported for lateral movement in grooves v4I0 a collar 364 fast on the shaft, and, is held from formed in the housing 404 and the rollers 408 are rotation but free to move axially by engagement arranged to be urged radially outward away from with a stationary ring 366 supported in the unit the shafts 400, 402 by a spring 4I2 coiled about housing the spindle and interposed between the ends of The driving shaft 350 is provided with a the rollers. conicaily faced rigid disc 360 keyed thereto but The driving shaft 400 is provided with a rigid movable axially thereon for tangential driving friction disc 4I0 having a concave contact surengagement with the spherically faced surface face of a fixed radius of curvature slightly greater 356 of the rollers at a point within the radius than the radius of curvature of the tapered rollfrom the center of the shafts 350, 352 to the center ers 408. The disc M6 is keyed to the driving of the roller axes 300. A second conically faced shaft but movable axially for tangential driving rigid disc 3'I0 keyed to the driven shaft 352 is engagement with one side of the rollers 403. A shaped for tangential engagement with the opsecond rigid friction disc 4 I3 fast on or formed posing spherically faced surface 358 of the rollintegrally with the driven shaft 402 is provided ers at a point beyond the radius from the center with a female conical contact surface for coopof the shafts 350, 352 to the center of the roller eration with the other side of .the tapered rollers axes. Axial movement of the rigid disc 368 to 408. The small ends of the rollers are provided vary the pressure applied to the driving elements with a short conical surface of an angular pitch may be effected by an adjusting nut 314 coopersuch that line contact is obtained with the conating with a threaded portion 312 of the disc tact surface of the driven disc 4I8. As herein 353, shown, axial pressure may be applied to the From the above description it will be seen that driving disc M6 by a lever 420 pivotally mounted the frictional engagement of the rigid driver disc at 422 and having a yoked arm at one end slotted 368 with one face 356 of the spherically faced for engagement with pins 424 extended from a rollers will effect rotation of the latter, and, the collar 42B slidingly mounted on the shaft 400 frictional engagement of the opposing face 358 and arranged to bear against the disc M6. The of the rollers with the rigid disc 310 will effect other end of the lever is slotted to receive a bolt a reverse rotation of the driven shaft 352. Thus, 428 adjustably received in a portion of the housin operation, with an initial appliedpressure sufing 404. ficient to develop the necessary tangential forces From the above description of the embodiment the initial point of tangential contact repreillustrated in Fig. 14 it will be seen that with an sented by the radius RI will be at its minimum 49 initial applied force against the driving disc 4I8 value and the 'radiiR2, R3 and R4 will be at their sufficient to develop the necessary tangential maximum value. Asthe pressure is increased the forces, contact will be established between the radius RI will increase while radii R2, R3 and rollers 40!} and the driver disc M6 at a point on R4 will decrease. The initial speed reduction of the small ends of the rollers and at the extreme the driven shaft will be at its maximum, apedge of the driver disc, as illustrated, at which proaching a one to one ratio as the pressure is time the radius RI will be at its maximum and increased. The range of ratios obtainable in the the radius- R2 will be at its minimum. Also, above described structure is limited to between K tangential contact between the conicaily faced five or six to one and approximately one and driven disc M8 and the rollers will be established one quarter toone. An absolute one to one ratio at the small'end of the rollers and the extreme cannot be obtained since the mechanism would I radius of the driven disc, at which time the radius stall as soon as radius RI is equal to radius R4. R4 will be at its maximum, radius R3 being con- The table below indicates proportionate values stant. Thereafter, as additional pressure i apin a typical unit of the above described structure. plied to the driving" disc M6 by adjustment of Radii Torque Tan. Force R. P. M.

R1 4 B2 B3- 34 Input Output A B 0 Input Output Egg 1% g g 23 1 2.2 .s .s 1.6 1 .45 1.67

The modified forms of the invention illusthe bolt 428, the rollers 408 will move radially trated in Figs. 14 and 15 show torque conversion toward the shafts 400, 402 against the resistance mechanisms embodying rigid friction discs coopof the spring M2. The extreme position is crating with intermediate rollers yleldingly reached when contact between the driving disc mounted in a manner such that when pressure and the rollers is at the large end of the latter is applied to the discs the rollers are caused to and the inner periphery of the driving disc at assume new positions and thus change the eflecwhich time radius RI is at its minimum and tive radii of the tangential contact points resultradius R2 is at its maximum. Radius R3 reing in a change of speed ratio. mains constant but radius R4 will decrease by The form illustrated in Fig. 14 comprises a drivthe amount of roller deflection which is relatively ing shaft 400 and a coaxial driven shaft 402 suitsmall. An example of the variable speed ratios 14 v end of the driving disc hub. The other end of the lever 482 is slotted to receive a bolt 494 ad- Radii Torque Tan. Force R. P. M.

R1 R2 R3 R4 Input Output A 13 Input Output Rollo a. 375 1. 1. 47 s. 44 1 1. 04 3 .31 1 .96 2. 25 2.5 1.97 1.47 3.34 1 1.8 .4 .54 1 .56 1.27 1. 5 2. 31 1. 47 a. 22 1 3. s .67 1. 05 1 .30 .65

In the above described embodiment the driven shaft 402 always rotates in the opposite direction to the driving shaft 400 and a wide range of justably received in the housing 454, as illustrated.

From the above description of the embodiment ratios is possible varying from one to one to ten 15 of the invention illustrated in Fig. 15, it will be to one or more. By making the driven disc seen that with an initial pressure applied to the smaller than the driving disc and using a spheridriving disc 418 suflicient to develop the necescal contact surface on this disc, the speed ranges sary tangential forces, contact will be established may be raised above a one to one ratio, varying between the driving disc and the rollers at the through one to one to somewhat below. inner periphery of the driving disc and at they The form illustrated in Fig. 15 comprises a inner ends of the rollers, at which time the radii driving shaft 450 and a driven shaft 452 suit- RI and R2 are at their minimum values. At ably supported in coaxial alignment in a housthe same time, contact between the driven disc ing or casing 454. As therein shown, the end 480 and the rollers will be established at the of the driving shaft 450 is reduced in diameter, outer periphery of the driven disc and at the extended and rotatably supported in the end outer ends of the rollers, at which time the radius of the driven shaft 452. A non-rotatable car- R4 is at its maximum value and radius R3 is at rier 455 loosely mounted on the extended end its minimum value. As additional pressure is of the driving shaft 450 is supported at its outer n applied, by adjustment of the bolt 494, radii RI, periphery ina grooved portion 458 of the hous- R2 and R3 will increase while radius R4 will deing and is held from rotation by a stud-460 encrease, resulting in variable speed ratios as indigageable in a groove 462 out in the carrier, the cated in the table below.

Radii Torque Tan. Force R. P. M.

R1 R2 R3 R4 Input Output A B Input Output Roller latter being free to move axially in the grooved In the above described embodiment, the output portion 458. shaft 452 rotates in the opposite direction to the A plurality of barrel shaped rollers 464 are 45 input shaft 450. A limited range of ratios is obmounted for rotation on radially arranged spintainablev but a 1:1 ratio is not possible, nor is dies 46 Supported in t carrier and, the a speed increase and decrease possible in the radial shafts are provided with flexible bushings Same range M8 interposed between metal bushings n as While the preferred embodiment of the invenho gs 412 supported at one endln a 50 tion andselected modifications thereof have been annular member g m w are herein illustrated and described, it will be underarranged to bear agalns he carrler to yieldln gly stood that the invention may be embodied in urge the same m one dlrectlon a sprmg other forms within the sec e of th f llow' tilt coiled about the shaft 450 and interposed claims p e o mg between the carrier hub and the end of the driven I shaft is arranged to urge the carrier in the op- Havmg thus descnbed the mventmn what is claimed is:

poslte dlrectlon.

The driving shaft 450 is provided with a rigid torque Ponverter, y a comically faced friction disc 418 keyed thereto dnYmg Shaft a' shaft havmg but free to be moved axially thereon for tangenadlacent ends m coaxla1 a1 1gnment Wlth each tial engagement with one Side of the radially an other, a curved faced friction roller rotatably ranged barrel shaped roller at their inner ends, mfflmted a Supporting element adjacent the and, a second rigid conically faced friction disc Sald ends of Said Shafts and at a relatively fixed mg is fast; on or integral t t driven haft radial distance from said shafts connections am for coopem'tihh t t other side of t between said driving shaft and said friction roller rollers at their outer ends. As herein shown, for r tatin the latter on its supp rt n el m nt. pressure may be applied to the driving disc 418 a deflecting annular friction disc element havto eifect driving engagement of the elements by a ing its axis in alignment with said shafts and lever 482 pivotally mounted at 484 in the housing shaped for tangential engagement with said fric- 454. One end of the lever is provided with a tion roller, one of said elements being fixed yoked arm slotted for engagement with pins 488 against movement about said shaft axes and the extended from a collar 49o slidingly mounted other of said elements being fixed to said driven on the shaft 450 and arranged to bear against an shaft, and means for deflecting said friction disc end thrust roller bearing indicated generally at to change the point of tangential engagement of 452 interposed between the collar 49!) and the the same with respect to said roller whereby to vary the velocity ratio between said driving and driven shafts.

2. In a torque converter, in combination. a driving shaft, a driven shaft in coaxial alignment with the driving shaft, a carrier keyed to said driven shaft, a spherically faced friction roller rotatably mounted in said carrier on an axis spaced from and parallel to said shafts, planetary gear connections between said driving shaft and said friction roller for rotating the latter, a stationary conically shaped deflecting disc having its axis in alignment with said shafts and supported for tangential engagement with said spherically faced roller toeifect rotation of said carrier and the driven shaft, and means for applying axial pressure to said conically shaped disc to deflect the same and thus vary the point of tangential engagement of said stationary disc with relation to said spherically faced friction roller whereby to change the speed ratio between said driving and driven shafts.

3. In a torque converter, in combination, a driving shaft, a driven shaft in coaxial alignment with the driving shaft, a carrier keyed to said driven shaft, a spherically faced friction roller rotatably mounted in said carrier on an axis spaced from and parallel to said shafts, planetary gear connections between said driving shaft and said friction roller for rotating the latter, a stationary conically shaped deflecting disc having its axis in alignment with said shafts and supported at its inner peripheral edge, its outer peripheral edge engagement with said spherically faced roller at a point beyond the radius from the center of the carrier to the center of the roller to effect rotation of said carrier and the driven shaft, and means for applying axial pressure to said conically shaped disc to deflect the same and thus vary the point of tangential engagement of said stationary disc with relation to said spherically faced friction roller whereby to change the speed ratio between said driving and driven shafts.

4. In a torque converter, in combination, a driving shaft, a. driven shaft in coaxial alignment with the driving shaft, a carrier keyed to said driven shaft, a spherically faced friction roller rotatably mounted in said carrier on an axis spaced from and parallel to said-shafts, planetary gear connections betweensaid drivin shaft and said friction roller for. rotating the latter, a stationary conically shaped deflecting disc having its axis in alignment with said shafts and supported at its outer peripheral edge, its inner peripheral edge being free to flex for tangential engagement with said spherically faced roller at a point within the radius from the center' of the carrier to the center of the roller to effect rotation of said carrier and the driven shaft, and means for applying axial pressure to said conically shaped disc to deflect the same 16 and thus vary the point of tangential engagement of said stationary disc with relation to said spherically faced friction roller whereby to change the speed ratio between said driving and driven shafts.

5. In a torque converter, in combination, a driving shaft, a driven shaft, said shafts having adjacent ends in coaxial alignment with each other. a curved faced friction roller rotatably mounted on a supporting element adjacent the said ends of said shafts and at a relatively fixed radial distance from said shafts; connections between saiddrivlng shaft and said friction roller for rotating the latter on its supporting element, a deflecting annular friction disc element havin its axis in alignment with said shafts and shaped for tangential engagement with the curved face of said roller, one of said elements being fixed against movement about said shaft axes and the other of said elements being fixed to said driven shaft, and means for relatively moving said elements axially of said shafts to thereby flex said disc and change the point of tangential engagement of the-same with respect to said roller.

In a torque converter, in combination, a driving shaft, a driven shaft, said shafts having 'adJacent ends'in coaxial alignment with each other, a curved faced friction roller rotatably mounted on a supporting element on an axis being free to flex for tangential transverse to said shafts and adjacent the said ends of said shafts and at a relatively fixed radial distance from said shafts, connections between said driving shaft and said friction roller for rotating the latter on its supporting element, a

deflecting annular friction disc element having its axis in alignment with said shafts and shaped for tangential engagement with the curved face of said roller, one of said elements being fixed against movement about said shaft axes and the other of said elements being fixed to said driven shaft, and means for relatively moving said elements axially of said shafts to thereb flex said disc and change the point of tangential engagement of the same with respect to said roller. BRYANT BANNISTER.

REFERENCES CITED The following references are of record in the file of this patent: I

UNITED STATES PATENTS Number Name Date 1,370,080 Ahond Mar, 1, 1921 1,775,201 Jacobsen Sept. 9, 1930 1,878,068 Van Berke] Sept. 20, 1932 2,299,857 Solness Oct. 27, 1942 FOREIGN PATENTS Number Country Date 655,109 France Dec. 8, 1928 

